Terrence Romeo on SMB death five: ‘Hindi sila tumatanda’

Terrence Romeo kept his head high even though San Miguel failed to re-claim the All-Filipino crown after falling into the hands of TNT in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup.

After all, the Beermen had to face numerous challenges prior to the semi-bubble conference in Bacolor, Pampanga.

“Alam ko at alam naming lahat na binigay namin ‘yung best namin sa conference na ‘to,” said Romeo in one of his Instagram stories.

“Maraming nangyari sa aming mga players.” he added.

The three-time league scoring champion sustained multiple injuries that limited him to only 14 games this conference. Same goes for Alex Cabagnot, who just played 13 games for the Leo Austria-mentored squad.

Also prior to the conference resumption in Pampanga, June Mar Fajardo suffered a heavy loss as his mother Marites passed away due to COVID-19.

The 27-time PBA Champs showed their resilience in the face of adversity and were to able to advance to the semifinals despite all the obstacles they had to overcome.

In the eyes of Romeo, they were driven by Cabagnot, Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter.

“Sila ‘yung dahilan bakit malakas ang SMB! Thank you mga kuya,” said the 5-time PBA All-Star.

The five vets put up fine numbers for the Beermen.

Fajardo averaged 13.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks while Santos tallied 12.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. Lassiter had 10.6 markers, 3.6 boards, and 2.5 dimes. Cabagnot posted 10.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while Ross racked up points, 5.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals.

But it did not affect the output of SMB’s acquisition over the last three years in Romeo, CJ Perez, and Mo Tautuaa. The three also posted good figures.

However, the 1989 Grand Slam Champs still lost to Chot Reyes and the Tropang Giga. Romeo went on to acknowledged that his former team is also a well-managed group.

“No excuses. Malakas talaga ang TNT ngayon. That team is good,” he said. “Credit to Coach Chot (Reyes) for leading that team.”

Romeo, though, promises that the Beermen will bounce back next season with the Death Five still leading the charge.

“I’m telling you guys hindi sila tumatanda. Umasa kayo na mas pagbubutihan namin ‘yung susunod na conference.”